Lea + Cal + Mikey
Elopement in Stokksnes, BÚDAKIRKJA, KIRKJUFELL, & Jökulsárlón
I will be honest: this was my first polyamorous elopement. I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I was excited to have a new experience under my belt! And Lea, Cal, and Mikey were happy to share with me how they feel about love, relationships, and each other.
So first, a little about them. Cal had just tied the knot with Lea back home, and Mikey was (and still is) Cal's boyfriend. Since Mikey was living mostly at home with Lea and Cal, and such a big part of both of their lives, he was invited to join on their elopement and honeymoon. And Cal really wanted him to be there, not only to celebrate her and Lea, but to also celebrate their 2 year relationship.
Created: June 22, 2025
Elopement at Büdakirkja:
Check out their elopement photos at Büdakirkja below.
Lea & Cal
Shawna welcomed all three of us with pure warmth, excitement, and acceptance.
Why they chose Iceland
Lea, Cal, and Mikey had never been to Iceland before, so this was a new experience for them. When I asked them why they chose Iceland, they said "the crazy landscapes match our crazy personalities". We had a little laugh about that, and after going a bit deeper, Cal said (and I'm paraphrasing here), "there's something so deep and mysterious about Iceland, and the way I look at Iceland is the way I feel sometimes people look at us. Like people are trying to figure us out."
So there was definitely a reason beyond "it looks so cool on Instagram!" It was a country that truly resonated with them, and one they felt they understood without having to know the whole story, if that makes sense.
Elopement at Kirkjufell:
Check out their elopement photos at Kirkjufell below.
What you can expect when eloping in Iceland
When you elope in Iceland, you can expect a mix of adventure, spontaneity, and raw, untamed beauty. The weather is unpredictable; sun, rain, wind, and fog can all show up in a single day, so flexibility is key (and part of the fun). You'll likely be hiking over rugged terrain, crossing streams, or layering up against the wind, which all adds to the sense that you're doing something truly extraordinary. It’s less about perfect hair and a set timeline, and more about fully embracing whatever the day brings together.
You can also expect a deeply personal, intentional experience. With the help of a professional, you can find the perfect place that lets you feel like the only two people in the world. Expect some driving, many of Iceland’s most stunning spots are remote, but every stretch of road is scenic. Most couples find themselves slowing down, soaking in the stillness, and feeling completely present in the moment. It's not just "getting hitched"; it's an experience you'll never forget.
If you're curious to learn more, check out this Free Ultimate Guide on How To Elope in Iceland.
Elopement at Stokksnes:
Check out their elopement photos at Reynisfjara below.
When should you elope in Iceland?
When to elope in Iceland depends on the kind of vibe and scenery you're after, but the short answer is: there’s no bad time, just different kinds of epic.
Summer (June to August) is perfect if you want long, adventure-filled days. Thanks to the midnight sun, you can elope at 10pm and still have soft, golden light. Most of the country is accessible this time of year, including the remote Highlands and green-covered landscapes. It’s the most popular season, but with smart planning (like sunrise or off-the-beaten-path spots), you can still find quiet moments.
Fall (September to early October) brings moodier light, colorful moss and tundra, and fewer tourists. It’s also the start of northern lights season, which can add a surreal glow to your elopement night. Winter (late October to March) is for couples dreaming of snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and aurora-filled skies. But be ready for shorter days and road closures due to weather. Spring (April to May) is shoulder season, with a mix of lingering snow and awakening greenery. It's quieter, and things start to come back to life.
Ultimately, the best time to elope in Iceland depends on whether you want sunshine and access, dramatic skies and solitude, or snowy adventure and potential aurora magic. Year-round, especially outside of summer, you can have CRAZY weather. Just be prepared!
Elopement at Jökulsárlón:
Check out their elopement photos at Jökulsárlón below.
"If you are looking for a photographer who will not only capture breathtaking, jaw-dropping photos but also act as your ultimate elopement guru, look no further.
My partner Lea and I decided to elope in Iceland and booked the 2-day package. Since neither of us had ever been to Iceland before, we were incredibly overwhelmed by the logistics. But from day one, Shawna stepped in and took all the stress away. From scouting the most insane, hidden locations to helping us build a perfect, relaxed timeline, Shawna's planning help was an absolute lifesaver. Neither of us are planners, we like to jump in a see what happens, so having someone give us some structure was a godsend.
Because our life is a little beautifully unconventional, my boyfriend Mike came along for the ride too (yes, we're a poly thruple). Going into this, we were a little nervous about how a photographer might handle our dynamic, but Shawna welcomed all three of us with pure warmth, excitement, and acceptance.
As a massive bonus, Lea and I are both vegan, and finding out that she is a fellow vegan was the icing on the cake (pun totally intended)! We got to be foodies together, not that we went to Iceland for that, but it just made things easier throughout the days.
And the photos? Oh. my. gaaaawd. When we got our sneak peeks back, they literally brought tears to our eyes. We STILL haven’t stopped raving about them to everyone we know!
Shawna captured the raw beauty of Iceland and the raw love of our unique story perfectly. Thank you for making our elopement the best days of our lives!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!"
"Shawna made us feel completely seen, supported, and celebrated the whole time"
Testimonial by Lea & Cal - Brides
© Shawna Rae Photography 2026
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